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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

We are trying our best to raise our kids to use their imaginations, appreciate nature, learn things in every moment of the day, and be responsible for themselves, their family, and their things. This means that we have to strive daily to keep the TV off, keep them busy with activities and ideas, and expose them to things they might not have thought of on their own.

I would love to be a TV-Free family, but that is just not happening right now for various reasons. The little boys don't watch much, if any, but Justus gets "TV Time" once a day. I actually think it is benefiting him getting to have that one-time-a-day, because he's learning how to create his own rhythm. If he chooses to have that time in the morning as soon as he gets up, that means no TV the rest of the day. Tough for a four-year-old, but it's definitely teaching him responsibility, control, and moderation.

So what do our kids do all day?

Arts and CraftsPlay with cars and trainsChase each other around the houseWrestleDance to musicHelp me clean

Play outside (as much as possible)Play with their "guys"Do Montessori activities like thisHave our next door neighbor over to play

Make things in their kitchenand care for their stuffed animalsMake things in the kitchen with meWrite and drawDress up in their costumes

Do a lot of puzzles

Read together, by themselves, and with me

Play/Build with blocksI'm not a huge fan of the kids watching TV first thing when they wake up.I think it messes with their moods, starts their day off with images and wordsalready in their head (which didn't actually come from their head),and generally sets the tone for a day of wanting to watch TV.I can appreciate, though, that it means the rest of the day is leftup to our imaginations.We DO love to go places, see new and exciting things, spend time together away fromour everyday setting, and explore things that aren't available at home.I know, though, that if we ever do become a TV-Free family, I will have manyideas under my sleeve, and my kids will already know how to spend theirtime wisely just hanging out at home.

Behind the Scenes...

I am blessed to be the mom and wife in this family of seven :) I am so thankful that this is where God has me right now. I am not perfect (I am NOT supermom!), but I pray that I represent Christ well and glorify His name in all things!!